A teenager identified as Manchester United defenderMarcos Rojo's cousin has been shot dead after allegedly attempting to rob a retired police officer at gunpoint,Diario Hoyhave reported.
The 17-year-old Geronimo Rojo died in hospital on Monday morning after reportedly trying to steal from the former police officer with an accomplice,named as Ivan Rodrigo Barbosa,who was also shot dead.
�� #LaPlata Falleció el primo de Marcos Rojo involucrado en el asalto de San Carlos https://t.co/IcPdGXHbgd pic.twitter.com/5uDbyhn6yR
The two men are said to havetargetedRaul Anibal Diaz, 50, on Sunday night in the city of La Plata, who, according to reports, identified himself before firing a number of shots and causing fatal injuries.Diaz claimed to have been firing in self defence after he was arrested following the incident.
United full-back Rojo has had altercations with the lawhimself in his homeland, accused of a bottle attack in 2010.
He was informed that he could face a year in prison in 2012, but agreed a settlement with his accusers to lift the threat of jail time in 2015, after he had joined United.
Rojo's return to form - which included his first goal for United against Bournemouth last weekend - has seen him earn a call-up to the Argentina national squad for the first time since last November.The 26-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season.